Dark Circles, Allergy shiners, venous pooling:

These symptoms often arise from swelling and inflammation caused by the congestion of small blood vessels beneath the skin. This can indicate blocked nasal passages and mouth breathing and may also be a sign of allergies or food sensitivities like gluten or dairy. It's important to note that everyone is different; some people may not display this symptom at all, though it is more commonly and easily observed in children. Additionally, sleep issues can exacerbate these problems even further.

Dairy:

• Causes mucous and inflammation for many people

• Try cutting it out of the diet completely for 30 days and see how you feel.

• Limiting softer dairy can help as well- milk, yogurt, cottage cheese.

Dust:

• Dust is everywhere it can be challenging to completely eliminate.

• Bedding is a great place to start- old pillows and bedding.  Try switching to hypoallergenic bedding if possible.

•   HEPA air filters can be helpful to have in the bedroom as well.

• Replacing carpet in bedrooms with hard floors. (this can be extreme)

 Dander:

• Pets in the bedroom is the biggest problem when it comes to dander.  (Can be very difficult to eliminate)

• Even closing the bedroom door during the day can decrease dander

Goal #1 of Myofunctional Therapy: Nasal Breathing

• All day and night – this means the nose must be clear.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep the mucus in your nose thin and easier to expel.

• Humidify your environment: Use a humidifier in dry climates or during winter to prevent nasal dryness

• Practice proper nasal irrigation: Use a saline spray or rinse (like a neti pot) to clean your nasal passages and remove mucus and allergens. Always use distilled, sterile, or pre-boiled water for this.

• The more the nose is used, the clearer it will stay.

Good sleep hygiene is essential for overall well-being, as it helps improve mood, cognitive function, and physical health. Establishing consistent sleep habits can lead to better sleep quality and long-term health benefits.

• Stick to a schedule – Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

• Limit screen time before bed – Blue light from devices can disrupt your body's sleep signals.

• Expose yourself to natural light during the day – It helps regulate your body's sleep-wake cycle.

• Keep your bedroom dark. A small adjustment like black out curtains or an eye mask can make a big difference. A consistently dark room encourages longer, uninterrupted sleep and encouraged melatonin production.

A habit elimination component is integrated into Kitsap Myo’s mini myo and full myofunctional therapy programs if needed.

Using a calendar to track your child’s progress and using a prize system can be a helpful tool in their habit elimination journey.